Highlights of the Michaelmas Term

As the Hilary Term approaches, we would like to remind you what we have already done this year. If you have missed it all, you are encouraged to join the Oxford University Ukrainian Society now and become part of our vibrant life.

1) Informal meeting at the Blavatnik School of Government

On a sunny day, the OUUS members gathered together in the newly built Blavatnik School of Government, the latest addition to the Oxford architectural ensemble and the home to Public Policy students. After having lunch, we appreciated the stunning view on Oxford from the BSG rooftop.

2) Annual General Meeting and Elections

At the Annual General Meeting we discussed our plans for the 2016/17 academic year and elected the new Committee. The President elect Lisa Yasko, Master of Public Policy student from Kyiv, presented a programme draft for the next year. According to it, our key goal will be to let the Ukrainian voice be heard in Oxford.

3) Formal dinner at University College

Right after the Elections, we proceeded to the University College Dining Hall and enjoyed the formal dinner in a warm company of fellow Ukrainians. Vyshivankas and traditional British cuisine — what could make a better combination!

4) Meeting with opera singer Yuriy Yurchuk

It was a great pleasure for OUUS to host a dinner with the famous Ukrainian opera singer Yuriy Yurchuk. He started singing at 28, and prior to that he used to work in the financial sector. Talking to Yuriy makes you confident that is it never late to start something completely new.

5) Ukrainian Christmas Music Evening at Green Templeton College

Before going on holidays, we organised the Ukrainian Christmas Music Evening in partnership with Green Templeton College. Apart from drinking mulled wine in a friendly environment, we had a chance to remember how we celebrate Christmas back home.

News

Mikheil Saakashvili was President of Georgia for two consecutive terms between 2004 and 2013. As a result of Saakashvili’s reforms in Georgia, the rate of corruption in the country was drastically reduced and the business environment was improved significantly. In 2015, Mr Saakahsvili became the governor of Ukraine's Odessa region, a post he held until November 2016.

The lecture will be introduced by Professor Ngaire Woods, Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government, and moderated by Yelyzaveta Yasko, current MPP student at the School and President of Oxford University Ukrainian Society.

The Ukrainian Cultural Centre in London is inviting everyone for the live broadcast of the Eurovision Grand Final in Kyiv. This year’s theme is ‘Celebrate Diversity!’ It will be an unforgettable evening, full of music and dance as well as delicious authentic Ukrainian food. Additionally, there will be a chance to enjoy some beer and a BBQ in the garden. Each ticket includes a free drink and authentic Ukrainian snacks.

Places are limited and early booking is advisable. All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards British-Ukrainian Aid’s humanitarian projects.

The Trinity term has begun, and this week we will have an outstanding opportunity to meet Gennadiy Afanasiev, a Ukrainian human rights activist of Crimean origin who spent over 400 days in Russian prison. One month after the annexation of Crimea, Mr Afanasiev was arrested on the charge of 'terrorist activities' after participating in pro-Ukrainian demonstrations and sentenced to 7 years of imprisonment in a Russian penal colony. As a result of a high-profile prisoner exchange, he was released in 2016. We are delighted to welcome him to Oxford to tell us about his struggles, captivity and ongoing activism.

International Film Society is showing one of Paradjanov’s masterpieces, Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors.

Paradjanov, an Armenian director and one of the great cinematic geniuses of Soviet cinema, tells a simple Romeo-and-Juliette-like story set in the Ukrainian Carpathian mountains. In Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors, the simple tale of the unrequited love of Ivan and Marichka serves to revolutionise the art of story-telling in cinema, showing astonishing originality through the use of music, cinematography and camerawork. The film is a hypnotising whirlwind of colour and sound set against a background of folklore and traditional tales, which seems to come to us from another world. Trailer: https://vimeo.com/7516458